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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons fired Dan Reeves on Wednesday, dismissing the sixth-winningest coach in NFL history with three games left in a disappointing season.

Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will take over as head coach for the rest of the season, according to the Falcons' team Web site.

The Falcons scheduled a morning news conference to announce the stunning move. Reeves had one year left on his contract.

According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Reeves met with owner Arthur Blank Tuesday night, and Blank informed Reeves that he intended to hire a new head coach before next season.

Reeves responded that if Blank was going to fire him, Blank should do it immediately.

Reeves' job security had been a subject of speculation as the Falcons fell from the playoffs a year ago to one of the worst teams in the league after quarterback Michael Vick was hurt in the preseason.

Still, the timing of the move was curious, coming just three days after the Falcons (3-10) defeated Carolina 20-14 in overtime in Vick's first start of the season.

Reeves began the season with his 199th career victory, the Falcons winning 27-13 in Dallas.

Atlanta then lost seven in a row before Reeves finally got his 200th win at New York against the Giants on Nov. 9. Afterward, he said, "It's great. But when you've lost seven in a row, it was all about trying to get them to win No. 2."

Vick broke his right leg in the preseason, exposing the Falcons as a one-man team. Initially expected to be out six to 10 weeks, the third-year quarterback's rehabilitation dragged on for 3Â½ months.

At one point, there appeared to be a rift between player and coach. Reeves said Vick needed to get back on the field; Vick responded that he wouldn't play until he was fully recovered.

Vick played the final two series in a Nov. 30 loss to Houston, then finally made his first start last weekend. He rushed for 141 yards -- the third-highest total by a quarterback in NFL history -- and finally brought a little hope to a dismal season.

But Reeves won't be around for the rest of it. He leaves with a career record of 201-174-2, including the playoffs.

Only Don Shula, George Halas, Tom Landry, Curly Lambeau and Chuck Noll won more NFL games.

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Well we all knew this was coming, its just a shock it happened before the end of the season. I wonder why Reeves would say "if you're going to do it, do it now." Maybe so he could get a jump on finding a job for next year?

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Well we all knew this was coming, its just a shock it happened before the end of the season. I wonder why Reeves would say "if you're going to do it, do it now." Maybe so he could get a jump on finding a job for next year?

Who needs coaching when you can promote viagra:laugh: or whatever the hell he promotes:laugh:

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its such a shame tho, what a horrible break for him, had vick been playing he would have never been fired...

and there O line sucks

I dont know why everyone keeps using the Vick thing as an excuse. That proves how bad of a coach he is...you're superstar goes down, its up to you to get the team going and performing withouth him.

How quickly we forget...doesnt anyone remember last year with the Eagles and McNabb? He went down and was gonna be out for 5-6 weeks. Everyone paniced, except Andy Reed. Look what happened, they went somethin like 5-1 without McNabb. A lot of it has to do with he had a better supporting cast, but he had a big part of it.

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I dont know why everyone keeps using the Vick thing as an excuse. That proves how bad of a coach he is...you're superstar goes down, its up to you to get the team going and performing withouth him.

How quickly we forget...doesnt anyone remember last year with the Eagles and McNabb? He went down and was gonna be out for 5-6 weeks. Everyone paniced, except Andy Reed. Look what happened, they went somethin like 5-1 without McNabb. A lot of it has to do with he had a better supporting cast, but he had a big part of it.

Reeves doesnt produce, ya get canned...that simple.

well I don't think Dan Reeves is a bad coach, considering he's like 6th all time with 200+ wins...

I do agree that he should have done or tried more to get the team up and running...

hmmmmmm:idea: ---->Dan Reeves could come to Miami:eek: All though I still like Jim Fassel:D